Proper Delineation

The hazard in writing anything that goes out for others to see is that of accomplishing clarity. For a topic as complex as the one I've recently been tackling it's particularly important to establish proper delineation when it comes to definitions. Most of what I do here is meant to challenge the monolithic corporate church. This entity that seems to have become comfortable with the drumbeat of decline and disinterest stretching back now for fifty years or so. Following in the footsteps of the European church our denominations have become mostly political organizations bent on protecting their interests and pet projects. In the meantime what were once vibrant houses of worship are becoming either museums or ruins (or Hindu community centers like the one I recently saw in a former Christian church).

At the same time the Church defined as the Body of Christ in the world is vibrant and active. Wherever there is disaster Christians show up in droves. Where there are homeless, sick and imprisoned folks it is most often Christians who are standing behind a pot of soup, providing a secure space with a mattress and conducting Bible studies behind bars. Some of these activities are sponsored by churches but a lot of them are happening through what's known as para-church organizations. These organizations have grown up as corporate church has declined.

In my experience those para-church organizations (ministries) that are most successful tend to shy away from denominational affiliation...at least publicly...and instead fix their eyes on Christ. They don't pick fights about minutiae and they don't play church politics. They welcome any who come to serve and make it clear the service is done in the Name of Jesus. And many who fill the rosters of those who serve through these organizations also show up in church on Sunday and become champions for these ministries. And there are some who come out of these churches and start their own para-church ministries to address needs the church isn't tackling.

My observation is those churches that are growing in the midst of decline seem to have adopted some of the markings of para-church organizations. They aren't much concerned with denominational identification but are concerned about getting outside the building and into the community. Their main goal isn't to increase membership but to activate those who claim membership. These churches are most often led by people who are excited, even anxious, to give away the ministry and equip people to take it from them.

When I worked with the team at Group Workcamps we were always discussing how to best set expectations for those who registered for our trips. If expectations were clearly communicated the overall experience was much more satisfying for the participants (assuming we met the expectations established). This included what they could expect from us and what we expected from them.

So here's a question...In your experience of weekend church, from the format to the actual messages, what expectation is being set? Maybe I'm addressing an issue that's not an issue. Please offer in one or two sentences the expectation the church you attend communicates on Sunday morning. Perhaps even more interesting to me is what expectations did the church you no longer attend communicate on Sunday morning?

I mentioned at the end of my last post that it's relationships not religion that mark a vibrant church. But that's not news to those who are frustrated with religion. So how about we consider how the vibrant, active Church goes about reclaiming the dying, declining church?